A look at the past, present and future

Happy New Year is extended from our staff to you and your family. January is a good time to assess the past, take a serious look at the present, and set goals for the future.

The first decade of the 21st Century will most likely be remembered for the day nearly 3,000 people died at the hands of three consecutive terrorist attacks on the East Coast of the U.S. The consequences of September 11, 2001 dominated the remainder of the decade. Nine years later, the loss of U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan has caused the number of casualties to more than double.

B

ut while sadness marred the first

part of the new century nationally; locally, milestones were achieved that will be enjoyed by generations to come, such as the opening of Cama Beach State Park, Whidbey Camano Land Trust’s protection of more than 3,200 acres on Camano that includes Livingston Bay tidelands, Kristoferson Creek and Davis Slough heron rookery. In the city of Stanwood, a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility, a new water tower and a rail station were completed.

Though 30,000 more troops are being deployed to strengthen the current U.S. and allied force presence in Afghanistan in early 2010, our hope is for a safer home front. A future home front where jobs will once again be plentiful, college tuitions will stabilize, health care will be available and affordable to everyone, and financial institutions will once again help us achieve our dreams if only we have the courage to pursue them.

May 2010 be a happy and prosperous beginning to the new decade.

– Kelly Ruhoff

Editor